How to Prepare for a Successful Hunting Season

Fall is here and many hunters are getting ready to enjoy the hunting season.

There are many things to do in preparation for a successful hunt. From the very basic steps of purchasing a hunting license and securing your spot to setting up trail cameras, preparing food plots, and much more. This beginner guide may help in assuring that you have a safe and successful season.

Obtaining your Hunting License

This is the first and most important step when starting your hunting journey. Obtaining your hunting license varies with location but many places require a Hunter Safety Education Course and pass a Hunter Education test that will let you purchase a hunting license. If you are planning to hunt out-of-state the licensing process may be different and for out-of-state hunters the fees will generally be higher.  Make sure you have secured your license way ahead of your first hunting trip.

Finding Hunting Ground

There are two types of hunting grounds: public and private hunting lands. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. For seasoned hunters, picking a new place to hunt can help increase your success this hunting season. Selectin private versus public hunting land is one of the first steps you can take in improving your odds of landing a trophy animal.

There are many advantages to hunting on private land. Private land has less hunting pressure which mainly occurs when land is overhunted, and the animals become aware of a human presence. Better management than public land, facilities, trails, and access create improved opportunities for a victorious season. Most private landowners regulate the amount of people who can use their land. If you’re looking to hunt on a private parcel, establish a good connection with the owner and consider a year-long lease. The only drawback of hunting on private property is that it’s most often not free and there will be and additional cost associated with harvesting an animal.

There are a few different types of public hunting land: local, state, and federally owned land. The major downside to hunting on public land is that the more people on the same piece of land, the lower the chances of a hunter ending up with a successful hunt. Public hunting lands are prone to safety issues as a lot of inexperienced hunters venture out into the woods. Hunting private property will always be a safer option.

Investing in Trail Cameras

If you are leasing land or are fortunate enough to own your land, installing trail cameras prior to the hunting season can have many advantages. Scope out the wildlife on your land all year long, and prepare for a successful hunt when the season rolls around. If you want to invest in high-quality trail cameras, the process can be very expensive. However, many dedicated hunters value their trail cameras as they create opportunities that otherwise the hunters would not have if they did not gain access to the behavioral data collected over weeks and months. The best part of installing tail cameras is that they keep you excited and looking forward to the hunting season.

Planting Food Plots

Whether you’re hunting new land this season, or simply planning to improve the quality of your herd, food plots are an excellent way to attract deer.  This process requires planning and starts long before the opening day. Understanding deer movement patterns, and strategically placing your food plot can significantly increase your odds of seeing quality deer during the hunting season.

Helping New and Inspiring Existing Hunters

The hunting community’s numbers are declining which is why taking a new hunter under your wing could bring more enjoyment during the hunting season. Regardless if they are young or old, bringing a new partner to this amazing community will give your hunt a completely new type of satisfaction. Most people would love to try hunting, sometimes all they need is an invite and some support. Having another person hunting with you could help you gain a new perspective and new experiences during the hunting season which could make for a more enjoyable and successful experience.

There are several changes that could make this hunting season more successful. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a newbie, take just a few steps each year to better prepare for the hunt. In a few years, they will become second nature and you will get to enjoy seeing many more trophy animals.